Couch to 5K via the Healing Powers of God

Hearing God's voice is much like hearing other voices--except that it may perhaps be occasionally easier to ignore.  First, you must have a open, working relationship with God, just like with any other person.  If somebody that I don't know--in Illinois or the next town over--is talking, you can bet I won't hear them.  If, however, I do know the person, and have an open, working phone connection with them, my chances are much better at hearing what they have to say.  Second, listening takes practice.  You must force your thoughts to quiet down and focus your mind on trying to hear what is being said rather than what you think is being said.  Third, follow the instructions given by all-knowing shampoo bottles: wash, rinse, repeat--in other words, practice makes perfect, or try, try again.  Try to be open to talking and hearing from God even in the off moments. This is part of trying to adapt to God's timetable rather than trying to make Him accommodate yours.
          One year ago I had just gotten the results from a blood test that confirmed what I had been suspecting:  my thyroid levels were very low.  The thyroid gland produces the hormone that controls how your body uses energy, and hypothyroidism (low thyroid) is something that is solved by taking medication for the rest of your life.   I had hoped that my low energy level could be changed by exercising more, but that would only leave me so exhausted that I could hardly get up off the couch the rest of the day.  I felt defeated and hopeless; I didn't want to be on medication.
          One year ago, while I was in the process of procrastinating talking to my doctor about medication, my church was devoting a month to teaching about healing.  It was great teaching.  I learned that the bible clearly shows that God wants us to be whole and healed.  I learned how important it is to make sure that you take care of any unforgiveness and/or bitterness in your self before really trying to talk to and hear God.  It was a great month for learning stuff, I tell you!  During one service, the thought of my thyroid completely out of my mind, I was praying for other people's healing needs.  As I was praying I heard God say "Your thyroid is healed."  Just that, nothing more.  I was surprised, you can be sure, but I immediately started thanking God for the unexpected blessing.
          I knew my thyroid was healed, but I had no idea when my symptoms might change so I immediately went back to the task of procrastinating my doctor's visit (a.k.a. trying to forget I needed to do so in the first place.)  Two weeks later it suddenly occurred to me that I hadn't had a single exhausting day since God spoke those four words to me.  My previous normal had been to alternate tired days with exhausted days, now my normal was consistent moderate energy.  Unheard of.
          To date, a year later, I still haven't had a single bit of exhaustion like before.  While I still haven't gotten into the doctor, (I'm really good at procrastinating) I know without a doubt that my situation is completely different. For the first time I can understand what people mean when they say "I hate exercising but I feel so good afterwards".  I am able to do what was impossible before: run and not be weary, walk and not faint.
          Today I moved onto week 4 of the Couch to 5K workout and felt great afterwards (run 3min, walk 1:30, run 5min, walk 2:30, repeat).  I would never have guessed that I could enjoy exercise.  I am very thankful that I serve a God who cares about me and what I really need.  That He cares for each one of us so much just amazes me.  If you want someone to truly understand you, earnestly care for you, encourage and support you and never let you down, He's the one to go to.